Fall 2015 by eClaire Publishing

Community news in Central Scottsdale since 2007! MCRLIFE.COM

Fall in Love at First Glass Railfair Fun at the Railroad Park SUMMER 2015

Country Life in Scottsdale

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Features: Country Life in Scottsdale ...........12 Fall in Love at First Glass ............16 In Every Issue: Real Estate Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Resident Recipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Four-Legged Ranchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Local Event: Railfair Fun . . . . . . . . . . 22

Local Business HighlightS: Dance Fusion Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Ava Rose Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

16 McCormick Ranch Lifestyle is published quarterly by eClaire Publishing, LLC, 7349 N. Via Paseo Del Sur, Suite 515-268 Scottsdale, AZ 85258. Phone 480 212-6203. Fax 480 699-2049. Not responsible for unsolicited materials. Not affiliated with the McCormick Ranch Property Owners Association, nor does the publisher endorse the advertisers included. This publication is sent to each household on the McCormick Ranch. If you do not live on the McCormick Ranch or would like a separate copy mailed to you, an annual subscription fee of $12 is requested.

FALL 2015

Letter from the

Editor

Oh Fall. For Phoenicians it doesn’t come with cooler temps (yet) or changing leaves. It’s that feeling of back to school routine, slight wardrobe changes (can’t wait to break out the boots) and pumpkin décor creeping into stores. Yes, our year is speeding ahead and sometimes I want to slow it all down. That’s what appealed to me about our feature on The Simple Farm this issue. Even though I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else, there’s something about a slow country life that sounds so rewarding. And the Ledner’s tapped into it right here in their own backyard! Anyone who knows me knows I love food. I watch a variety of cooking shows and can’t wait to try new restaurants. Arizona Restaurant Week happens twice a year (upcoming Sept 18-27) to give people, like me, the excuse to try new places with a specially-priced menu. Second only to New York City, according to Livability.com, Scottsdale has a tremendous variety of excellent restaurants. Maybe you have a favorite and would like to ink a review for our readers? If so, please email me for consideration in the next issue. For those of you who aren’t on Nextdoor.com yet, you’re missing some lively discussions on a variety of topics in our community. Get a taste with our guest editorial on page 18. Until next time,

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@MCRLife

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McCormick Ranch Lifestyle

Real Estate Summer is a love / hate scenario in the real estate world. The first half of the summer is smiles and good times when the Spring deals close and buyers move in to their new homes. Then half of Scottsdale takes refuge in San Diego and activity comes to a halt. Now everyone’s back and ready to rock. Vacations are over, school’s back in session (I know I’m not the only parent happy about this!), and better weather (see: football season) is just around the corner. Last article focused on the continued level sales pricing on the Ranch. We’ve found more of the same, even though our inventory remains very low – with even more limited selection of really nice property. This continued lack of Seller participation and mediocre number of active buyers is keeping prices level. What happened since last article Spring sales activity was very good, with 61 single family homes selling from May 1 through July 31. This was up from 50 sales in the previous quarter and closely matched last year’s Spring quarter of 63 sales. Closings in this time averaged $214 per square foot (+2.4%) and the average sales price dropped a bit to $505,666 (from $518,613). 57% of the sales were in the under $500,000 price range, trending the average sales price lower. There were 4 sales above $800,000. Average price per square foot ($214) stayed relatively consistent with the previous four quarters ($211 / $214 / $210 / $209). As of mid-August, there are 24 properties under contract with an average list price of $565,562 and $219 per square foot. Where we are today Smaller homes – mostly at the south end of the Ranch 6

FALL 2015

– are selling particularly well. Has the north end of the Ranch hit a plateau, making south of Via de Ventura look more attractive? Take a drive through and notice all of the remodeling activity. Buyers are coming from South Scottsdale, starting families, and the price point works for them. Because of this, prices per square foot here continue to creep up while the north end remains consistent. For new inventory as of August 15, we have only 9 Active homes showing 30 days on the market or less. Low inventory and lack of selection continues the underlying theme of market conditions. For condos and townhomes, closed sales yet again rose from 53 to 67 transactions quarter over quarter at an average of $379,448 or $196 per square foot - both down slightly from the previous quarter. We figured Summer would significantly cut into condo and townhome sales. Currently, there are 6 pending sales at $314,817 average list price and $204 per square foot, down from 26 last quarter. We fully expect this to ramp up again once the weather turns and visitors flock to Scottsdale. In closing The story stays the same in overall sales activity – very consistent levels remain at price averages and price per square foot. We are still seeing a few strong sales above $800,000. Consistent data shows the new player is the south end of McCormick Ranch - lots of sales activity, rising prices, and significant remodeling activity. Looking for a lot of upside? Put this area on your radar. The south end of the Ranch could use more fixup inventory in the $300,000 - $400,000 range, and north of Via de Ventura is still short on nice, move-in ready properties in all sizes and price ranges. Fall is always a great time for transactions, leading up to November. The weather will change, football season is here, and activity should be brisk.

By Gene Montemore & Gary May Go see an open house! – G.M. & G.M. Gene Montemore & Gary May (owner/broker) operate the Central Scottsdale Real Estate Group at Real Living Success Realty. RLS is a marketing-focused brokerage located in the heart of McCormick Ranch and an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Gene & Gary can be reached at info@CentralScottsdale.com or 480-295-4550.

BY THE NUMBERS: Number of single-family closings in MCR:

August 1 – October 31, 2014 (92 days): 49 November 1 – January 31, 2015 (92 days): 35 February 1 – April 30 (89 days): 50 May 1 – July 31 (92 days): 61 source: ARMLS

Average sales price:

August 1 – October 31, 2014: $555,120 November 1 – January 31, 2015: $518,498 February 1 – April 30: $518,613 May 1 – July 31: $505,666 source: ARMLS

Average price per square foot:

August 1, 2014 – October 31, 2014: $214 November 1, 2014 – January 31, 2015: $210 February 1 – April 30: $209 May 1 – July 31: $213.60 source: ARMLS

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McCormick Ranch Lifestyle

Spotlight

Dance Fusion:

Working on a Dream By Kathryn Korchok

FALL 2015

A signed black and white photograph of a dancer hangs on the wall of a new dance and fitness studio in the Scottsdale Airpark. Leaping through the air, Gene Kelly is poised, graceful and athletic. Nearby, another photo shows Gene’s brother Fred teaching a tap class that features a college girl intently concentrating on her steps. The vintage photos are inspiration for new studio owners Linda Simon and business partner Bob Mace, who recently opened Dance Fusion, a boutique studio that specializes in dance, fitness and Yoga classes for adults. No tots in tutus. No kid competitions. Just classes designed to appeal to dancers and fitness enthusiasts alike. “We wanted to create a safe, fun, supportive environment for all levels of dance and fitness that fused the benefits of both,” said Simon. “We used the word ‘fusion’ because it’s a complementary, eclectic mix of disciplines that enhances the whole experience.” Geared strictly for grownups, the studio hopes to encourage dancers to supplement their jazz, ballet, tap and other specialty dance classes with fitness, such as Zumba, Bollywood, strength training, and Yoga instruction to make them stronger, more balanced and more flexible dancers. Conversely, fitness enthusiasts will find that dance classes will help them with strength, balance, flexibility and creative expression, according to the partners. “We’re different because we want to encourage a crossover of dancers to fitness, and fitness to dance,” added Mace. The studio is the brainchild of 54-year-old Simon and 51-year-old Mace, both dance enthusiasts who had been taking classes at a now-shuttered Scottsdale studio. When those studio doors closed, the duo decided that they would open the proverbial new door. In conversation, they discovered how much each of them had long wished for a studio of their own. Simon took a variety of dance classes as a teen, including the ones with Fred Kelly in New York. Mace, a former marathon runner, harbored a secret desire to dance ballet and own a studio as he watched his daughter teach dance classes. “It’s always been there in the back of my mind,” noted Mace, a Valley Realtor. “Once we discovered the joy, emotion, connection and friendship we had with other dance students, we knew we couldn’t give that up.” Simon agreed. As a Chiropractor, she had more than a passing interest in human body mechanics and fitness. That interest and knowledge, and love of dance, simply added to her desire to open a place where dancers and athletes could come together and experience a shared passion for fitness and creativity. So, after months of whirlwind activity, overwhelming support from fellow dancers and teachers, and more than a little luck, Dance Fusion opened its doors in July. (The grand opening celebration event will be September 19, 6-8 p.m.) The two wooed some of their favorite dance instructors to teach at Dance Fusion, bringing a wealth of experience to the studio. Ruth Lawrence Doering is one example. The veteran dancer and teacher was trained at George Balanchine’s School of American Ballet, and danced with the New York City Ballet. She was an Assistant Choreographer with award-winning choreographers Ernest Flatt and Carol Haney, and is acting as the studio’s Master Class and Special Events Co-ordinator. “Our vision is to have the best talent out there teaching in our studio, and be open to creating a real community,” said Mace, noting that former Ballet Arizona prima ballerina Paola Hartley has already conducted an all-level class for Dance Fusion students. “We wanted to make people understand that dance is not just for professionals, that you can still dance after the age of 18, and that it’s more than exercise,” added Simon. “It’s creative expression and creative development, and our studio is a combination of three worlds - dance, fitness, Yoga - that epitomizes that concept.” For more information and class schedules, visit www.dancefusionaz.com.

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RESIDENT RECIPE

Lemon Torta Submitted by Illona Hargitay

Ingredients: • 1 box of yellow or white cake mix • 1 small box lemon flavored Jello • 1 pound cream cheese • 1 cup sugar • Juice of 1/2 lemon • 1 pint heavy whipping cream • Fresh strawberries or raspberries • 1 cup hot water

FALL 2015

1. Follow directions on the box to make the cake. 2. Cool the cake and cut into 3 layers. 3. Mix the lemon jello in the hot water until completely dissolved. 4. Cool mixture until just start to thicken. 5. Mix the cream cheese with sugar and lemon juice until fluffy. Add jello. Mix more. 6. Whip heavy cream and gently fold into the cream cheese mixture. 7. Cool the cream for about on hour until nice and firm and easy to spread. 8. Spread each layer; top and sides of cake with cream cheese. 9. Decorate the top with fresh strawberries or raspberries.

Submit one of your favorite recipes to

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Meet Emma the Brave

“These are our Havanese pups, Gilligan (14) and Brinkley (11) on the in is Carmel, brother (Tom) and younger sister (Kate), Emma has spent a lot of As any parent will tell you, seeing your childbeach in pain the escaping the summer heat. We time on the sidelines talking with adults. “She’s more like an adult most gut-wrenching, helpless experience. For Keri Lee, resident have McCormick my age than an 8 year old,” says Lee. With therapy twice a week, and mom of three, this was her daily experience forlived manyinyears. formonths over 10 yearstheir goal this year is to get her doing all of the things a kid her Emma has been battling “something” since sheRanch was 18 andpain. enjoy daily romps in age usually does, like run and jump. old. She’d be playing and all of sudden shriek in “We Park. In December, Emma went through her 3rd surgery. She was couldn’t go over speed bumps, pour water overComanche her head in the They thrilled to come back to Cochise for 3rd grade bath or pull her in a play wagon without her have many four-legged with all of her friends. Lee says, “I can’t say crying,” says Lee. Finally, when she was 3 and friends they have met in the park over the years, enough about the exceptional support we’ve after countless appointments, evaluations, received from the Cochise community. They therapies, doctor visits and tests, Dr. Bearns as well as many nice pet owners.” – The Glynns have an amazing special needs program.” On at Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH) Emma’s first Monday back at school she was ordered an MRI that gave us the answer. in a wheelchair and by that Friday she was She had Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma telling her mom she could walk to class on her (tumor = cancer) the length of her back own! inside her spine. These benign tumors often Emma’s favorite thing to do is draw. She affect balance and coordination. She was has been picked twice by PCH to be their immediately admitted to PCH to remove the featured artist to raise funds with holiday tumor. “This is Luna. She Through tears, Lee says, “It was a one cards. Keri says, “This year we made our own loves to explore our in a million chance for her to get this. art and helped to raise funds for her therapy patio home yard and The doctors hadn’t even considered the treatment and medical bills at various events.” check out the fish possibility. But you have to keep pushing… If you’d like to learn more, please visit ‘Emma Send us a picture and turtle in our Koi that’s been my lesson.” the Brave Will Walk Again’ on facebook. To pond!” -T. Gazia Unfortunately, the tumor came back two help families in need, Lee also recommends Please email years later at which time Emma endured donating to the United HealthCare Children’s editor@mcrlife.com 16-months of chemotherapy. With a twin Foundation (www.UHCFF.org).

Four-legged

Ranchers of your pet!

McCormick McCormickRanch RanchLifestyle Lifestyle 11 17

Country Living in Scottsdale

Sandwiched between high-end residential on Cactus Rd. (near the 101) lies the only small suburban farm in Scottsdale. It’s not a story about pioneers who rode here in wagons, but rather of people getting back to their roots and finding a quality of life in the slow food movement on this modern day homestead. The Simple Farm was started by Lylah and Michael Ledner in 2009. Like so many in 2009, the economy turned lives around and created opportunity to step outside the norm. That’s when Michael, a pastor and musician, made the decision to reclaim the 3-acre plot of barren land the church he serves owned (and still does) and begin to grow food for a living. The stage had been set two years earlier when Michael watched “The

Home Grown Revolution” video. Originally from New York City, Michael had never grown anything, but when they said “You’re not free until you grow your own food”, it really resonated with him. The couple started by planting some tomatoes and flowers and the passion grew from there. To the surprise of many, the Ledner’s invested the proceeds from the sale of their previous Scottsdale home into this property. They planted trees, built raised garden beds and chicken coops. They started bringing their home-grown produce to the local farmers market, but would often leave uninspired. So in 2010, they decided to open their property to the public for a farmers market of their own. “There’s value in knowing who’s

Photos by Blue Stitch Photography 12

FALL 2015

growing your food. I look at my tomato and I know that tomato. We believe that many in the community understand and support this,” says Lylah. Sticky Business In the Summer of 2010, the Ledner’s made the 5-hour journey to Black Mesa Ranch in Northern Arizona and brought home their first two Nubian dairy goats. Drinking the milk and making cheese led to the question “what else can we do with the milk?” And how can we start earning a paycheck? It was Lylah’s trip to France and tasting the most amazing soft, buttery salted caramels that became the inspiration for her now award-winning goat milk caramels. Lylah says, “I decided I’d give myself 19 failures to see if I could create the same goodness as I’d found in that French candy shop. I quickly mastered it and asked for reviews from everyone that I could.” All organic, it was clear she had something special. So special that she even became a finalist for the coveted Good Food Award in San Francisco last year. More recently, Lylah was sought out by The Scottsdale Resort (on McCormick Ranch Parkway) to create a signature caramel flavor for their guests when they reopen this Fall.

Her original Sea Salt Bourbon Vanilla Caramels are also available at several local shops: Sphinx Date Ranch, Alis Living and

“Love is our business plan.” Lawrence Dunham Vineyards in Old Town Scottsdale and Camelback Flowershop and Sweet Salvage in Phoenix. Today, Molly, Plum, Storm and Raquel are on the daily “milking team”. Lylah says, “It’s a huge commitment. There’s no real

time off … Are we tired? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes. But what’s made this all worth it is the amazing people that have walked into our lives - many become farm volunteers and friends.” This summer, the Ledner’s decided to change course on this adventure by closing to the public completely and turning their focus on growing only for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) members. The interest is so huge for their farm produce, herbs and flowers that the 10-week shares (at $35 per week) were filled within 6 hours. And the waiting list is long. The Fall CSA runs from October 15th until December 17th. All that is harvested during this time is placed in baskets for members to pick up each week. Each membership serves produce for a small family and there is always a selection to choose from. For example, one bunch of chard or one bunch of kale; 5 carrots or one pound of red potatoes. A selection of add-ons is also available to make the meal complete. Lylah says, “What I love seeing is that after a few weeks, the CSA members become friends and move into a community mindset where they begin to share recipes and tell stories about what they’ve served, how their family liked it, and so on.” For more information about the farm and special events, please visit thesimplefarm.net

McCormick Ranch Lifestyle

Coconuts Fish CafE’ Valley goes Nuts for authentic Hawaiian-style Fish Tacos By Molly Cerreta Smith In April of 2013, Owner Kim Kuhljuergen opened Coconuts Fish Café Arizona in an intimate location on the bustling corner of Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright, serving authentic fish tacos inspired by the original Coconuts Fish Café Hawaii founded in Maui by Mike Phillips in 2009. Kuhljuergen says of the Hawaii location, “From the grilled Mahi Mahi and Ono to the coconut milk coleslaw and mango salsa, I had never tasted a fish taco like this in Arizona.” So he took it upon himself to bring those unique, fresh-from-the-sea flavors to desert dwellers in the North Scottsdale area. This location quickly earned a cult following of devout fish-taco lovers who, like Kuhljuergen, had never had the pleasure of indulging in such fresh flavors fused in unique ways. So much so, in fact, that Kuhljuergen opened his second location in the Valley at 7366 East Shea Boulevard, Suite 110 this past June, with more planned for the coming years. “The success of our first location has been outstanding—and we know there are many more Hawaiian food fans throughout Scottsdale and beyond. We are very optimistic about our future in Arizona,” says Kuhljuergen. Coconut’s newest location features an expansive patio, bright and airy interior and the same fresh and healthy menu as the original North Scottsdale location that customers have come to love, including an array of salads from classic chicken caesar and taco salads to the coleslaw salad and seafood salad with grilled shrimp. The new location is also conveniently open seven days a week from 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Popular menu items include the Coconut Shrimp; Taco Mountain, with customers’ choice of fish, steak, chicken or a veggie patty served with all of the traditional taco fixings over brown rice; Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi; and the Seafood Pasta, a dish of Ono and Mahi Mahi served with either Alfredo cream sauce or red tomato-based sauce, which is made to order. Fresh and healthy Mahi Mahi or Ono fish tacos and grilled fish burgers, as well as many gluten-free 14 FALL 2015

options, remain staples on both menus as well. It’s not just the locals that have discovered Coconut’s oneof-a-kind flavor. The restaurant has been awarded national accolades, including a near perfect score from the Zagat Guide, one of the best places to “Eat like a local” from Travel +Leisure magazine and many more. With the success of his first Arizona location demanding a second one within just two years, Kuhljuergen has plans to open two additional locations of Coconuts’ Fish Café in the Phoenix Metropolitan area in the next four years. No doubt, they will be as well received as the first. Whether looking for a restaurant that offers something for everyone in the family or a convenient yet healthy lunch, Coconut’s offers an out-of-the-box menu that has Valley locals lining up for fresh and delicious Hawaiian inspired fish tacos day in and day out.

A Personal Peace

Save the Date! The 4th Annual Holiday Magic on McCormick Ranch is Saturday, Dec. 5th @ 5pm This FREE family event packs in the fun with: Real snow - and lots of it! Face painting Hot chocolate and treats Live music Santa and Mrs. Claus Located on the NE corner of Scottsdale Road and McCormick Ranch Pkwy. For more information, or to become a sponsor, email MRHolidayMagic@gmail.com McCormick Ranch Lifestyle

Fall in Love at First Glass

A bevvy of local bars, lounges and restaurants are making sure to welcome the cooler weather in a big way…through creative seasonal cocktail offerings. Here are some of our favorites:

Arizona Restaurant Week is September 18-27th!

Prepare your taste buds for some amazing prix fix menus. To see a list of participating restaurants, visit arizonarestaurantweek.com

The Beverly

• Cocktail Name: Family Affair • Cocktail Description: A perfect combination of St. George Single Malt Whiskey, St. George Pear Liqueur, Jerry Thomas Decanter Bitters, honey syrup and lemon leaf oil. • Cost: $12

• Cocktail Name:

Grapefruit Basil Martini • Cocktail Description: Absolut Ruby Red Vodka, St. Germain, grapefruit juice, fresh basil, Fee Brothers Grapefruit Bitters, lime and simple syrup. • Cost: $9 16

FALL 2015

Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill

Rusconi’s American Kitchen

• Cocktail Name: Baked Apple Pie Martini • Cocktail Description: House-infused apple moon shine made with smoked simple syrup, maple syrup, cinnamon sticks and Granny Smith Apples served up in a martini glass with brown sugar and a caramelized apple wedge. • Cost: $10

SOL Mexican Cocina • Cocktail Name: Pumpkin Spice

Margarita • Cocktail Description: SOL is putting Pumpkin where it belongs – in a Margarita! They combine Don Julio Tequila Blanco, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, roasted pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon to create this favorite! • Cost: $10-$13

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria – Exclusively in Old Town • Cocktail Description: A delightfully sweet spin on a classic gin cocktail! The Brooklyn Bramble is gin combined with tart lemon and a blackberry liqueur, softened and sweetened with a bit of simple syrup. With so many complex notes and flavors, we think it’s the perfect cocktail for those cool fall evenings. • Cost: $8

• Cocktail Name: Brooklyn Bramble

TapHouse

• Cocktail Name: Makers Island • Cocktail Description: A twist on a Whiskey Smash! Makers Mark slightly sweetened with Patron Citronge Mango Liqueur, fresh mango and mint, muddled, shaken, and strained on the rocks with lemon and mint garnish. • Cost: $9

Steak 44

• Cocktail Description: A blend of Ketel One Citroen, blood orange Soberano, pomegranate and a hint of lemon • Cost: $16

Proof Canteen at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale • Cocktail(s) Name: Oaked, Smoked and Spiced

• Cocktail Description: This is a trio of cocktails based off of the Old Fashioned – a clever twist on a traditional wine or beer flight! Guests are able to taste a “traditional” Old Fashioned and then discover how easily those ingredients can be altered by aging, smoking, or adding spice. In addition, Proof ’s private label bourbon from Russell’s Reserve adds another element of exclusivity. • Cost: $18 for entire flight

• Cocktail Name: Italian Blood Orange

Nextdoor McCormick Ranch –

The Unintended Consequences By H. Alton Jones

In the early years of our nation, the “town square” was the cultural heart of the community. In many cities throughout Latin America and Europe, the “Plaza” (el Zocalo) remains an essential piece of day-to-day life. It is there artists perform, music is played, craft people sell their wares, children play, seniors pass their time and young couples engage in ageless rituals of courtship. It is where the fabric of society is woven and displayed. Americans lament the loss of this cultural keystone as they retreat to their private fortresses nestled inside the closed gates of their cloistered developments where they may have never met their neighbors. Thanks to the efforts of McCormick Ranch resident Gene Montemore, we can rejoice in the fact that we again have our “town square”. Admittedly, it’s a virtual square in cyberspace on a site called “Nextdoor.com”. Anyone with an internet connection can take a seat on a virtual park bench and chat with neighbors, enjoy the sights, get up-tospeed on community matters that affect one and all. There’s no cost, but benefits abound. And unlike in the tree filled plazas found in the world’s great metropolises, you don’t have to worry about that pesky pigeon sitting on the branch directly above your head. A San Francisco start-up believed that a social network dedicated to geographic areas would provide value. Gene signed up and started Nextdoor McCormick Ranch nearly three and a half years ago and six months after its national unveiling. Of its 53,000 neighborhoods, the McCormick Ranch site is reportedly its largest and most successful. With nearly 8,000 homes within the confines of The Ranch, there are over 1,800 members. That number is rapidly growing … and with good reason. Every day, we see neighbors sharing information on everything from service providers (good and bad), neighborhood dangers, social events, traffic delays, lost 18 FALL 2015

and found pets, water leaks and shady characters. We’re interfacing; we talking. We don’t always agree and sometimes we don’t even get along, but we’re more of a community. We’re truly neighbors. The site is designed so special interest groups can share information. One neighbor enjoys reading The Economist magazine. Through Nextdoor, he created a group of like-minded neighbors who now meet every Friday morning for a cup of coffee and a rousing discussion on the state of the world, the nation and the neighborhood. There’s even a section for “classified ads”. Household merchandise is regularly bought and sold through the bulletin board in our town square. Help wanted and services available appear with regularity. Need a babysitter, music teacher, a repair person? Check out the classified section of Nextdoor. When President Kennedy set our collective sights on putting a man on the moon more than fifty years ago, few people anticipated the side effects of the program. No one could envision the advances in computer technology, satellite technology, electronics and countless other fields that are now an integral part of our daily lives.

Perhaps the impact of the unintended consequences of Nextdoor is not as great as was the case with the Moon program; maybe it’s just too early to tell. But the fact is Nextdoor has already yielded some unexpected results. Friendships have been made as people have come together over common interests via our version of the town square. In days when some people don’t even know their next-door neighbor, Nextdoor has allowed residents to meet and greet despite living miles apart. Another unexpected consequence of our virtual town plaza is to provide a quasipolitical awakening. The “politics” of McCormick Ranch have a tendency to find their way into the conversation. Issues that were largely hidden from view, but that impact our neighborhoods suddenly appear in public. The Arizona Republic isn’t normally going to address the micro-issues of neighborhood. Nextdoor brings a level of awareness to us we’ve never had in the past. Think about the origin of the term “stump speech”. We finally have a “stump” on which we can stand. Suddenly, everyone has a voice in the town square. We can all express and share our thoughts. Not everyone has the same opinion, belief system or political orientation, but that’s the essence of the true town square. It’s a forum for exchange, a place where not only you can speak; it’s also a place you can listen and learn. Even Scottsdale city officials and departments share information on Nextdoor. It’s evolving into a place where McCormick Ranchers share and grow together, even if as opponents. There’s been a virtual raspberry or two. But for every stumble in the park, there have been a dozen virtual hugs. We’re actually becoming a real “neighborhood”. See you in the square. I’m sitting on the bench by the big oak tree right under the pigeon.

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McCormick Ranch Lifestyle

Spotlight

Ava Rose

Designs

Photo by Beautiful Edge Photography

20 FALL 2015

In 1974, a young Melanie Santarius moved with her family to one of Scottsdale’s newest developments, McCormick Ranch. In fact, they were one of the first residents on the Ranch and lived just a few houses down from the Spade family (actor David Spade and fashion mogul Andy Spade), along with famed illustrator Rick Kersten and nationally known disc jockey Jonathon Brandmeier. “Forty years later,” Santarius considers, “we are still close to those families and now so are my children.” Like Melanie, many original kids from the Ranch have found their way back here so that their children can experience all this community has to offer. Her husband even coaches the McCormick Ranch Little League! In 2009, Santarius transitioned from a 13-year career in the corporate world to an entrepreneurial venture and lifelong dream of creating her own private clothing label: Ava Rose Designs (named after her daughter). With a life-long passion for fashion design and heavy sales and marketing experience, Santarius taught herself how to create patterns and sew and distribute her creations. As demand grew, so did Melanie’s resources and success. She has even added her sister Michelle, who crafts her own in-house textiles, as a valued component to the business. All of the beautiful concepts originate right here in Scottsdale and then come to life in Los Angeles. Since the company’s inception, Ava Rose Designs has demonstrated its viability through 13 seasons of products and annual sales growth of 35-50% year over year. What is Ava Rose Designs? It is an affordable lifestyle brand targeting a broad female demographic, ages 34-64. The clothing line features bohopreppy pieces that include timeless classic cuts, flattering to all shapes and sizes. The line incorporates vibrant color palettes with unique textile designs that allow women to showcase their own individual style. All pieces are anchored in optimism and positivity that make a woman feel good about herself and her purchase. The brand also offers head-to-toe looks, featuring seasonally fashionable clothing and accessories, as well as select mother-daughter designs that reflect the founder’s inspiration. In September 2013, after years of testing consumers, Ava Rose Designs (ARD) decided it was time to elevate the brand and sprint down the social-selling path. With focused insight and a clear financial evaluation, they found that consumers were steering heavily towards webbased sales as well as person-to-person purchases. “Today consumers have to work harder to earn less which eliminates trips to the malls, dilutes free time, and limits spending power,” comments Santarius. As a result, she implemented their social sales model as a “Personal Stylist Program.” This was created to give fashion-savvy women entrepreneurial opportunities throughout the country by representing the ARD brand. The opportunity not only gives Stylists flexibility, but time to socialize and catch up with friends, all while building a fun and lucrative career. ARD Stylists value coaching women on fashion trends and styles, in-turn helping clients feel confident in their own skin. Quality, trust and fun are common words thrown around by personal shoppers who, just like McCormick Ranch, build close-knit communities between themselves and their Ava Rose fans. If you’ve ever been to their “Trunk Show”, you understand that having a glass of wine and talking around the kitchen island is paramount. It’s easy to sell a product that is so unique and beautiful, so why not have fun doing it? In fact, ARD is projected to triple their sales force by the end of 2016. “Right now is the most exciting time I’ve ever experienced with my company,” says Santarius. “This isn’t a job, it’s my life’s journey. If I can give back what others have given me these past few years, including fun and exciting opportunities for women, then I have been self-fulfilled.” The new fall line has launched! To view the Ava Rose Designs “look book”, or learn more about the program, visit avarosedesigns.com.

Railfair Fun at the Railroad Park Forty years ago the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park opened in Scottsdale. What better way to celebrate than a two day Railfair event? Visit the park October 10 and 11, from 10am to 5pm, and enjoy a beautiful day at the park full of fun and entertainment for the entire family! This free two-day event features something for everyone. Model train aficionados (and anyone with an appreciation and love of trains) will marvel at the park’s Award Winning 10,000 square foot Model Railroad Building displaying O, N, and HO scale trains. There will also be exhibits about model trains and the park’s history, a moonwalk bounce house for the kids to romp through and other live entertainment to keep the celebration energized. There will be free tours through the Roald Amundsen Pullman car (typically a $2 cost per person), a former presidential train car that has been restored to give you a glimpse into how our Presidents traveled the country prior to Air Force One. This type of private train car was built as a distinct luxury containing a dining room, several private sleeping rooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and pantry, sleeping quarters for a cook and porter and an observation room and deck. When else can you say that you’ve walked were Roosevelt walked? Or that you’ve sat in his chair? The Roald Amundsen Pullman Car is one of Scottsdale’s 22

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greatest historical best kept secrets – don’t miss this opportunity to see it for yourself - for free! To further enhance the fun and nostalgia of Railfair, many of the park’s seldom seen railroad equipment will be on display, providing a true insider experience. And what would Railfair be without a ride on a train? The Park’s beloved miniature steam locomotive will be running throughout the day, and the carousel and playground will also be up and running for visitors. While you are enjoying the day and various events, don’t forget to stop by Hartley’s General Store for a bite to eat, ice cream or other treat! While admission to Railfair and all of the activities and events are free, there is a $2 fee for train and carousel rides. (Children under 3 ride free with a paid adult rider.) Parking is also free at McCormick-Stillman Park, and overflow parking is available north of Indian Bend at the Scottsdale Seville. Learn more about Railfair by visiting http://therailroadpark. com/events, or by calling 480-312-2312. If you are on Facebook, you can keep up to date with all the happenings at McCormickStillman Park by liking our page, http://www.facebook.com/ therailroadpark . See you at Railfair!

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McCormick Ranch Lifestyle

all in your neighborhood Diamondbacks Lounge is the perfect restaurant for casual dining, Happy Hour or a relaxed gathering spot for friends and visitors to make a night of it. Nestled on the shores of Camelback Lake and overlooking the majestic McDowell Mountains, we are just three miles from downtown Scottsdale. Join us for great food, creative cocktails and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Open daily from 11am to 10pm. Contact us today for more information.

THE McCORMICK 7401 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85253 USA T +1 800.243.1332 E scottsdale.us@millenniumhotels.com W www.millenniumhotels.com A MillenniuM Hotel

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